In a closely contested match at the ASB Classic, Emma Raducanu displayed a resilient performance but ultimately faced defeat against Elina Svitolina in the second round. Despite the setback, Raducanu expressed growing confidence and anticipation for the upcoming Australian Open.
Raducanu, making only her second appearance on the court after an eight-month layoff due to injury, pushed Svitolina to the limit in a thrilling encounter that ended with a 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-1 defeat. The 21-year-old, however, remains undeterred and is setting her sights on the Australian Open, benefiting from several withdrawals that propelled her directly into the main draw.
The British sensation acknowledged the challenges she faced during her absence from the sport, citing setbacks with her wrists and ankles. Despite narrowly missing the ASB Classic quarter-finals, Raducanu expressed excitement about her return to competitive tennis.
“It’s of course pretty exciting for me. I’ve only played two matches, and also my court time has been pretty limited,” Raducanu said. “To be back up to speed after so little is a great sign. It’s just the beginning – a lot more to come.”
Reflecting on the ASB Classic match, Raducanu highlighted her disappointment but emphasized taking risks and playing on her terms. With her focus now on the Australian Open, she sees the ASB Classic as a valuable learning experience and a positive step forward in her comeback journey.
“But it for sure gives me a lot of confidence and looking forward to in time with more matches, more practice, more gym sessions, seeing where I can go from there.”
Elina Svitolina, Raducanu’s opponent in the ASB Classic, praised the Brit’s spirited display, describing the match’s opening set as a “rollercoaster.”
“It was a really tough match. Emma played really well – we both played really great tennis, I think. I’m happy I had these two tough opponents in the beginning of the year, and I got past them.”
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Looking ahead, Raducanu’s optimism and determination shine through as she prepares for the Australian Open, commencing on January 14. The Brit’s journey to regain form and compete at the highest-level promises to be an exciting storyline in the upcoming tennis season. As Raducanu continues to fine-tune her game, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the next chapters of her promising career unfold on the prestigious Grand Slam stage.
Svitolina in Auckland, ranking, and results in 2024
LLWWWLWLWW Ranked world no.25, Svitolina has achieved a composed 2-0 win-loss record in 2024. Svitolina is now playing in Auckland where she ousted the world no.256 Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 and the world no.301 Emma Raducanu 6-75 7-63 6-1.
Elina Svitolina will fight against the world no.36 Marie Bouzkova in the quarter on Friday at 7:00 pm on Stadium. Their head to head is 2-1 for Svitolina.
Elina won 17 titles in her career: 9 on hard courts, 6 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Emma Raducanu in 2024
LWWLWWLLWW Ranked world no.301, the Brit played her last match on the 4th of January when she lost to world no.25 Elina Svitolina 6-7(5) 7-6(3) 6-1 in the 2nd round in Auckland (draw).
During this season Raducanu has an overall 1-1 win-loss record.
Elina Svitolina and Emma Raducanu faced off only once. Their actual record is 1-0 for Svitolina. When they played, Elina Svitolina won 6-7(5) 7-6(3) 6-1 in the 2nd round in Auckland (ASB Classic) on the 4th of January 2024.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
